The Finger Lakes Boat Museum, Mr. Lemon gets in trouble

I have observed that the crosswalk at St. James’ Church has been repainted. I sometimes wonder who reads this weekly effort, but if I had anything to do with getting this accomplished, it is a bit satisfying.

The last part of the boat museum extension at the creamery is about finished. The annex replaces the second garage area that was on the original boiler plant construction, but we pulled it back a few feet so that in front of the door two cars can park heading in. The handicap ramp and the boat barn elevation will allow folks to get around in back to see the creek and the areas between the building and the water. A 14-foot Canadian dinghy, vintage 1933, will be displayed in the annex as well as some other Skaneateles-built boats.

It is rumored that Bill Stinson of the Stinson Boat Line family, has approached someone connected with the Finger Lakes Boat Museum to restore the Pat. The Pat was used as the mail boat for many years, before it was replaced by the Barbara S. Wiles. The U.S. Mailboat Cruise still operates from July 1 to Sept. 3.

Unfortunately, the Finger Lakes Boat Museum project in Geneva has been abandoned. The deal unraveled this spring and the boat collection was moved back to Penn Yan.

Mr. Lemon had a tough go last weekend. I guess he felt empowered after a four-day rest at Wags. At 1 p.m. Sunday, I heard barking that sounded like “I’ve got something treed.” I checked it out and a one-third-sized woodchuck was crouched with his nose out over the lawn, close to Mr. Lemon’s electric fence location. His lips were rolled back and a nasty hiss was coming out of his throat. I took off Mr. Lemon’s shock collar because I thought he might just jump on this critter and eliminate one more threat to Sue’s lakeside perennial garden. He didn’t think this was a good idea. In hindsight I should have bopped the critter with a hoe or shovel and buried him. I simply put a leash on Mr. Lemon and took him inside for a drink and a rest. After 30 to 40 minutes of sustained spirited barking, a thirsty hound down is really worn down.